Though having been accused once or twice of a God Complex, I'm now prepared to reveal this startling photo admission...

Beyond that, my greatest thanks to Ernie Canning, Ellen Theisen, Sue Wilson and Agent 99 for keeping things lively and interesting around here in my absence, and allowing me such an absence in the first place.

And with all of that said (or unsaid), I'm now back. Lots of catching up to do in the hours and days ahead. But otherwise happy, once again, to be stuck in the middle with you...

I'd particularly like to express my appreciation as well for Ernie Canning's contributions. He's doing an outstanding job and I deeply hope he will continue to make regular contributions to the BRAD blog.

Remember I said that the astroturfers and media liars should be sued for misinformation, directly causing more people to die without health care reform? And I said, isn't it the same thing suing the tobacco companies for false advertising or suppressing facts causing people to die?

Just for shits and giggles, why doesn't someone actually start a lawsuit, that their family member dies because they don't have health care, and it's directly due to astroturfers purposely misleading people on health care and stopping coverage for all???

Can we sue media (like Rush Limbaugh or even ABC), astroturfers like Freedom Works, or even politicians that are lying, misleading, or suppressing information to the public about health care, which can be directly attributed to stopping health coverage for all...like this successful lawsuit against tobacco companies, who were sued for basically the same thing: lying, misinformation, suppression of information directly leading to the deaths of people???

Looks like a great break from the madding crowd, Brad, wherever it was. I hope you're feeling invigorated and strong, as it looks like we'll be needing your dogged determination more than ever, as Abomina pulls out vial after vial of snake oil. That middle of the road image is grand, if a bit misleading. In any case, welcome back to the "real" world, such as it is...

I remember the last time I did this. It was 1989. I was so unhappy having to return home to L.A. that I quit my job, sold everything I had and moved to WA. Now I look out my window and see this view every day.

Ahhhh.

Come join us one day Brad! There's a huge L.A. Ex Pat group here. We make up half the population.

I live in Washington, and most every day I see mountains, as I drive to and from work. Trees everywhere. Lotta rain round here though, which is why we have so many trees. Lots of water bodies too. No poisonous snakes, so our woodsy experiences are extra beautiful.

Washington D.C. though, too many poisonous snakes over there. I like Washington state better.

Glad you had a chance to breathe fresh air and experience magnificent natural surrounding, Brad. Your fine contributions to our awareness are a plus for democracy. You sure deserved a great escape.

I remember the last time I did this. It was 1989. I was so unhappy having to return home to L.A. that I quit my job, sold everything I had and moved to WA. Now I look out my window and see this view every day.

Sure. Rub it in, YBird.

Spent the bulk of last Summer's vacation (much longer than this year's sadly!) in your neck of the woods. LOVED it. Lots of time on the peninsula, camped in the Hoh Rainforest, etc.

Come join us one day Brad! There's a huge L.A. Ex Pat group here. We make up half the population.